Utah's two Republican senators aren't saying whether they could be persuaded by a national group to vote against a pending bill that would legalize millions of undocumented immigrants.

NumbersUSA, which opposes illegal immigration, is urging its members to contact Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch to express their opposition to the immigration overhaul bill, which could resurface next week. The two Utahns are among 15 Republicans identified by the group as swing voters.

"Apparently, 15 Republican senators who voted no on cloture on the S. 1348 amnesty bill a week ago have told Senate GOP leader McConnell, R-Ky., that they are willing to flip and vote yes next week," the group said in an e-mail.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid shelved the bill last week after lawmakers wouldn't agree to limit the amendments and move to a vote. After a meeting Thursday with several senators, Reid released a statement with Republican leader Mitch McConnell, stating that "the immigration bill will return to the Senate floor after completion of the energy bill."

Both Utah senators voted against ending debate and moving to a vote last week. Both also say they're waiting on a final bill and won't discuss their position on the provisions until they see it.

The plan would create a "Z-visa," which could lead to eventual citizenship for undocumented immigrants if they meet certain requirements, such as paying a $5,000 fine. It would also create a new guest worker program and shift the focus of future immigration from family reunification to an immigrant's skill set.

President Bush has been actively pushing for the bill this week, and on Friday morning he addressed the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast, repeating his call for adjusting the status of the undocumented "without amnesty and without animosity," along with securing the borders and creating a new worker visa program.

"We must meet our moral obligation to treat newcomers with decency and show compassion to the vulnerable and exploited. ... Most Americans would agree on those principles," Bush said. "And now it's time for our elected leaders in Congress to act. "

Last year, Bennett voted in favor of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, and Hatch opposed it.

Based on Bennett's remarks at last week's Utah Republican Convention, he seems supportive of the current bill, said Michael Clara, vice chairman of the Utah Republican Hispanic Assembly.

"I'm more worried about Sen. Hatch," Clara said. "Sen. Bennett is willing to talk about it and philosophically say he's in favor."

Meanwhile, Bob Wren, chairman of Utahns for Immigration Reform and Enforcement, said his organization is urging its members to call both senators to express opposition to the bill.

He said Bennett seems more supportive of the bill than Hatch, but "with enough calls from his constituents, he may be able to understand the American people don't want amnesty for illegal aliens."

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Contributing: Suzanne Struglinski

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com